Saif ul Malook Lake: Where Nature Meets Myth and Magic |
Saif ul Malook Lake, located around 9 kilometers north of Naran city in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is one of the most magnificent and scenic tourist destinations in Pakistan. Every year, around 200,000 local and international tourists visit this mesmerizing place. This famous alpine lake is located at an elevation of 10,578 feet (3,224 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in Pakistan. The peaks of the Kaghan Valley, including Malika Parbat (Queen of the Mountains), that surround the lake enhance the beauty of this famous tourist destination.
Geological Formation of Saif ul Malook Lake
Saif ul Malook Lake derives its primary inflow from glacial melt originating in the encircling peaks. Due to the high altitude, the lake remains frozen for most of the year, with the surface fully thawed only from June to October. The reflection of surrounding snow-capped peaks in the pristine emerald-green waters of the lake creates a spectacular and serene view.
According to some accounts, the lake was created roughly 300,000 years ago during the Pleistocene period. As the glaciers advanced and retreated during this period, they carved large basins into the Earth, which were later filled with meltwater.
Myths and Folklore of Lake Saif ul Malook
The Egyptian Prince and the Fairy
Saif ul Malook also has historical and literary significance, as its name is derived from the name of an Egyptian prince called Saif, who is the main character of the famous “Qissa Saif ul Malook” by the great Sufi saint Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. This poetic tale tells the story of an Egyptian prince who fell in love with a fairy named Badi ul Jamal. Although many take this story in its literal sense, in reality, it reflects the spiritual journey of the soul in quest of divine love, making it an........